Reflections from the Yellow Line

I’m on the yellow line on the DC metro from Reagan National Airport to Casa San Salvador, my favorite ride to take. For just a moment on the typically underground subway system, there is a beautiful view of Washington DC; the Potomac river glistening under the setting sun, the Washington monument sticking out like a watch tower over the Capitol of the United States, and the peace of knowing I’m not driving in DC traffic! In late April, I took this ride back to the Casa after dropping my dad off at the airport, and at this moment, as I looked over this beautiful view of Washington DC over the Potomac, I was overwhelmed with how thankful I am for this life I live and for my time with the Franciscan Mission Service. 

As we dove back into the underground portion of the line, I started scrolling through my camera roll and replaying some of my favorite moments from this year with my community I have formed here in DC. Each month of this program so far has been so fruitful, giving me opportunities to learn, be present, and continue to dive into my relationship with God. 

In August, we were all new to the city, but we spent much of our free time experiencing our new city together. We went to the zoo, we went to just about all of the Smithsonians, and just enjoyed each other’s company while getting to know each other. There was so much excitement for what this year had in store for us! In September, the DCSC went on an exhilarating nature walk through Rock Creek Park! Led by David, we meandered through the trails of the park while reflecting on the Canticle of Creatures! It was such a delight to be skipping through the woods with my cohort!

In December, we celebrated the Advent season together with many masses attended and, a pilgrimage from the Shrine of the Sacred Heart to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. That pilgrimage was one of the most moving experiences I have had in my time here so far. The collaboration of culture, devotion, and exuberance for celebration of our Lady was awe-inspiring. 

In March, our cohort went to Mount Irenaeus. It was an absolutely incredible time to reset, connect with nature, discuss discernment, and stay up to the late hours of the night praying the rosary and chatting about our favorite mysteries! I do not have enough words to describe how this weekend made me feel, but the overall word for me: Love.

Last but not least, a semi-culmination of the beautiful, life- changing experience that this year has been for me happened this April when I ran my first half marathon. I had brought the idea to do a race to my cohort in November, and some of them begrudgingly agreed! We trained from November until April 19th in rain, shine, and snow as thick as concrete! It was not an easy training process, but we showed up for each other every day, whether we were tired, sad, cold, or just did not want to run that day! At the end of the race, the rest of our cohort was at the finish line to cheer us on and it was one of the most special moments I have experienced. 

If you would have told me in August that we would have been running a half marathon together by the end of April, I truly wouldn’t have believed you. But each of the moments in this beautiful year that we have had so far led us to it and I am just so thankful for my year in DC.

Question for Reflection: What have you experienced and how have you grown from August until now?